Applications must complete an on-line application. The program is offered full-time and in-person. The academic year runs from September 1 to August 31.

All offers of admission will be for the coursework option (12 months). Once enrolled, students may elect to complete the coursework with stream in sociological social psychology (12-months). The two coursework options expose students to a wide variety of specializations in sociology and provide a solid grounding for those interested in pursuing more advance studies in Sociology.

Enrolled students have the option to work with their supervisor to petition to complete the course plus major research paper (12-month length) option. This option requires two less courses than the course-based option and allows students the opportunity to plan and execute a major research paper. Holders of the Canada Graduate Scholarship – Master’s will pursue the major research option to meet award requirement.

Enrolled students with a clearly defined research plan may work with their supervisor to petition to pursue the thesis option (20-24 months). Students are encouraged to apply to the Canada Graduate Scholarship – Master’s for either their first or second year of studies.

MA Options

The MA coursework option requires that students take eight courses. Courses are one term, or four months, in length. Course work students must take one course in sociological theory (750 or 751) and one course in sociological research methods (740, 742, 743).  Courses may not be taken at the 600 level. Students are permitted to enrol in one course outside of the department OR optionally take one Sociology supervised research course (730 or 731). Courses may not be taken at the 600 level. Typically, students complete three courses in the fall, three in the winter and two over the summer.

The MA Coursework degree with stream in Sociological Social Psychology coursework option requires that students take eight courses. Courses are one term, or more months, in length. Students must take one course in sociological theory (750 or 751) and one course in sociological research methods (740, 742, 743).  In addition, students must complete two courses relating to social psychology: 702, 704, 711, 718, 726, 755, 758.  Students are permitted to enrol in one course outside of the department OR optionally take one Sociology supervised research course (730 or 731). Courses may not be taken at the 600 level.

The MA major research paper option requires the satisfactory completion of six courses. Courses are one term, or four months, in length. Students must take one course in sociological theory (750 or 751) and one course in sociological research methods (740, 742, 743). As independent study is incorporated into this path, students may not take a supervised research course (730 or 731) to fill course requirements. Students are permitted to enrol in one course outside of the department provided it is not a supervised research course. Courses may not be taken at the 600 level.  In the first term of studies, students are expected to complete three courses and have a research proposal approved by their supervisor. In the winter term students will complete their final three courses. The major research paper will be written during the summer term.  Typical program length is 12 months.

The MA thesis option requires the satisfactory completion of four one-term courses and a written thesis. All students must pass one theory course (750 or 751) and one research methods course (740,742,743). As independent study is incorporated into this path, it is only under exceptional circumstances students may petition to take supervised research course (730 or 731) or a course outside of the department to fill course requirements. Courses may not be taken at the 600 level.  In the first term of studies, students are expected to complete three courses and have a thesis proposal approved by their committee.   This option typically requires 20 to 24 months to complete.

Application system opens: October 15, 2024

Deadline: January 14, 2025

Entrance Period: September 2025 only

Program is offered full-time in person.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• a four-year Honours degree in Sociology, Social Psychology or closely related social scientific field.
• minimum B+ average in third and fourth level courses in the discipline (first class standing, 78%, 9/12 or 3.3/4.0)
• Students with substantial coursework in sociology who have a non-Sociology degree but within a social sciences discipline will be considered.

The admissions process is competitive; meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

English Language Proficiency

English is the language of instruction and evaluation at McMaster. Hence it is essential that all students be able to communicate effectively in English.

Applicants whose primary language is not English will be required to furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language.

• University degree at which English was the language of Instruction.
• TOEFL: minimum score of 92 (internet based), minimum of 20 per band.
• IELTS (Academic): minimum overall score of 6.5, with at least 5.5 in each section
• CAEL: minimum overall score of 70, with at least 60 per band
• MELAB: minimum score of 85
• PTE Academic: minimum score of 63
• York University course: YUELI Level 6 with a minimum final grade of B
• University of Toronto course: Academic Level 60 with a minimum final grade of B

This score should not have been obtained prior to January 2024. All results MUST be received no later than February 1, 2025. (Note: The TOEFL institution code for McMaster is “0936”; the Department code is “96”).

Online Application

Applicants apply via an on-line application. Please review the School of Graduate Studies website for complete information regarding the application process.

Transcripts

Upload a scan of all post-secondary transcripts to the application system. Include one copy of the legend page from the back of your transcript. Please do not submit an unofficial transcript or “student records print” unless the document includes, your full name, the University name and all courses and grades.

Fall 2024 grades are part of the evaluation. If you apply before these grades are available, it is your responsibility to send an updated scan of your official transcript to socgrad@mcmaster.ca Its is expected that all such documents arrive by February 1 for priority consideration.

If an offer of admission is extended, you will receive directions to submit formal transcripts in institutionally sealed envelopes.

Statement of Interest

Please upload a one-page, single-spaced statement of interest that specifies your proposed area of study for the MA degree in Sociology What research questions inspire you? What methodological skills do you bring and hope to develop while in the program? Please identify one or more potential faculty supervisors with whom you would like to work. The focus should be academic rather than biographical.

Applicants to the MA program who have not completed a BA in Sociology (or McMaster’s Social Psychology program) should include with their statement of interest an additional statement (maximum 500 words) outlining their preparation for graduate study in Sociology, e.g., completed courses with substantial sociological content, sociological research and sociologists that have informed your own work, related research assistantship experiences, etc.

Department Areas/Supervisor

It is not necessary to arrange for a supervisor as part of the admissions process. However, you should review the department’s areas of expertise and course offerings to determine if your research interests align with those of the department.  Supervisors will be assigned to new students in the summer of 2025 just prior to the fall enrolment period.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

McMaster Sociology is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Please review the Equity and Inclusion Office website and submit a one-paragraph description of your background and experience with EDI and/or how you could contribute to EDI initiatives.  This paragraph can be added directly into the space provided on the application or it can be uploaded as a separate document.

Writing Sample

Please also upload a sample of written academic work that demonstrates your ability to do sociological research and your ability to write. This sample may be a course paper, part of a course paper, a thesis chapter, or a single author publication. Please do not submit an entire thesis. Formatting should be set at least one-inch margins and 12-point type.

Letters of Recommendation

Two confidential reference letters are required from instructors most familiar with your academic work. The electronic referencing system will send an e-Reference request on your behalf. Please do not submit letters from employers even if they are academic employers (TA or RA); the reference must be from an instructor who can evaluate your potential as a graduate student.

CV or Resume

Applicants are encouraged to submit a resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) if desired.

Application Fee

The system will charge a non-refundable application fee. Please have a valid credit or debit card ready to pay the application fee. The fee will not be waived.

Scholarships & Awards

The Department of Sociology at McMaster University offers financial support to incoming graduate students to help them to excel at their studies and to complete their graduate programs in a timely manner.  Funding for graduate study usually comprises a combination of monies from graduate scholarships ,  teaching assistantships and research assistantships.

Domestic Applicants

Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGSM)

All Master’s applicants should apply for this federal scholarship if they meet the eligibility requirements. Please choose McMaster as one of your three choices for university. Students receiving this award must complete either the major research paper option or thesis option.  Value: $17,500 one academic year;  non-renewable.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship and Ontario Graduate Fellowship

All applicants for the CGSM scholarship above will also be considered for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship and Ontario Graduate Fellowship. Value $15,000 one academic year.

Daniel G. Hill Entrance Scholarship

McMaster Sociology has established the Daniel G. Hill Scholarship to support the graduate education of Black students. Please indicate your eligibility on your application.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis Awards

Please apply directly to the following scholarships
• Harvey E. Longboat Graduate Scholarship
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship for Indigenous Students

International Applicants

Given limited available funding, you are strongly encouraged to pursue additional funding opportunities from outside of the university.

Resources for international applicants

• Tuition, Fees and Scholarships
• External Scholarships
• International Student Services
• UHIP (International Students Health Insurance)
• Graduate Studies Information for International Students (intended for incoming students but the  information is useful for applicants as well)
  • Accommodations
  • Cost of Living
  • Living in Canada
  • Working in Canada

Additional Information

For additional information, please visit the School of Graduate Studies Tuition, Fees and Scholarships website.